Gaylord+v.+Tacoma+School+District

** James M. Gaylord, Appellant v. Tacoma School District No. 10, et al, Respondents  ** ** Supreme Court of Washington  ** ** January 20, 1977  ** ** Background  **
 * (by Jody Carter) **

James Gaylord was a teacher at Wilson High School in Tacoma who had received numerous above average evaluations from his supervisors. Nevertheless, he was discharged on the grounds of immorality after confessing to both a student and the vice principal of his sexual orientation. Gaylord, in opposition, filed action against the district in a trial court. However, the court ruled that his admission of his sexual orientation “connoted immoral acts” and asserted that the district acted appropriately in the discharge. After an appellate court remanded the case following an appeal, the Supreme Court of Washington agreed to hear the case.

** Decision  **

Upon reviewing the terms “homosexual” and “immorality,” the Supreme Court attested that having a different sexual orientation does not make one immoral. However, the precedence set by this case is that a school board, with broad powers, may discharge a teacher with “sufficient cause”. In this case, because of at least one complaint by a student and opposition from several faculty members who were also parents as well as previously hired administrators, Gaylord’s ability to teach would be negatively impacted. Therefore, the Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the trial court.

** Impact on Education  **

The fact that the Board of Education has “broad powers” impacts the entire education field by way of dismissal. For instance, if “sufficient cause” is established then administrators and educators alike can be dismissed from their duties regardless, of laws that make their actions legal. Most importantly, administrators and teachers should be aware that reasons for dismissal from employment can result simply from a conclusion that one’s efficiency to perform his or her job is impaired; therefore, giving the board sufficient cause for termination. As in Gaylord’s case, his open dialogue with two individuals prompted others to conclude that his ability to teach would be adversely affected. Therefore, educators must carefully remember that their actions have consequences and should refrain from anything that may hinder their teaching proficiency.

** Applicable Quiz Question  **

True or False The Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the lower court because homosexuality is considered immoral and barred from the educational field.

Kevin Johns MGED 3030 Court Case 10 **Gaylord v. Tacoma School District** James M. Gaylord, a teacher at Wilson High School in Tacoma, Washington, was accused of being “immoral” because of his sexual preference. Gaylord had admitted to a student and a vice principal of his sexual orientation and upon doing so he was dismissed. Gaylord filed suit with the Tacoma School District with the district court and lost because the court agreed with the school that Gaylord indeed was immoral due to his sexual orientation. After this Gaylord went to the court of Appeals where the case was remanded and the Supreme Court decided to hear the case. Upon hearing the case, the supreme court decided that homosexuality does not constitute a person as being immoral. They agreed with Gaylord that he should not be discharged because of his sexual orientation however the case was not about that. The case was about him being discharged under sufficient cause. And because there were complaints from parents and the student that was told about Gaylord’s sexual orientation The Supreme Court sided with the decision of the district court that his discharge was under sufficient cause not because of his sexual orientation but because of the complaints. The Board of Education’s power impacts education, because it shows how personal preference can cause disruption and a person can be let go because of the disruption caused rather than the personal preference issue. Also, this case was more about how the student and the parents complained about his sexual preference rather than about his sexual orientation. This shows students and their parents also have sufficient power to get a teacher fired because of personal issues covered and masked by moral ones. Short-Response What was the reason that the Supreme Court sided with the district court?
 * Background**
 * Decision**
 * Impact on Education**